Are you planning on lighting fireworks or doing sparklers with your children this July 4th? Many people think sparklers are safe, but they can be just as dangerous as large fireworks, especially for small children.
Children, age five and younger, make up 1/3 of all firework injuries each year. Their little arms are just too short to hold on to a sparkler! Did you know a sparkler burns at more than 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause third degree burns? Sparklers can also light clothing on fire. Safe Kids Worldwide recommends young children use glow sticks as a safe alternative to sparklers.
If you choose to light fireworks or use sparklers at home, please be responsible about which fireworks you buy and discuss the dangers with your children.
10 Tips to Keep Your Children Safe:
- Have an adult supervise all fireworks & sparkler activities at all times
- All participants should wear loose clothing and never carry fireworks in any pocket
- The firework lighter should always wear eye protection
- Light fireworks outdoors and away from buildings, cars, & dry brush
- Fireworks should be lit one at a time
- Never try to re-ignite fireworks that don’t light the first time
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks
- Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies
- If someone is injured, immediately go to the hospital. If an eye injury occurs, do not allow the injured to touch or rub their eye, this may cause more damage
- Always remember to follow the fireworks laws in your area
The best thing you can do to protect your children is to not use any fireworks, of course! Try attending a public fireworks display this year and leave the lighting to the professionals!
Happy 4th of July!
